Winx’s path to history revealed

Winx’s path to history revealed

THREE-time champion Winx will jump from barrier six of eight when she bids to win her fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Her main market rival, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Benbatl, has barrier three and 2017 runner-up Humidor seven.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Rostropovich came up with eight while Godolphin Australia's Avilius has drawn the rails.

Trainer Chris Waller says it will take a champion or bad luck to beat Winx when she lines up for a historic fourth successive win in the weight-for-age race.

Waller and jockey Hugh Bowman were pleased with Winx's workout at the Breakfast with the Best at Moonee Valley in front of a large early morning Tuesday crowd.

The mare trotted up the straight before cantering off from the winning post, gradually increasing her speed from the 1200m before Bowman slipped her more rein over the final 400m, which she covered in 24.39 secs.

"Hugh just let her use herself around the bend, making sure everything was right," Waller said.

"Just as you would with a race-car before a big race, making sure everything is in order.

"The accelerator was there and the brakes were working this morning.

"There was a bit of smoke coming out of Hughie."

Waller said the mare's preparation had gone smoothly and only two things can beat her.

"That's bad luck or a champion," Waller said.

"The next champion could be there waiting in the wings and be ready to pounce.

"So long as there's not too many traffic problems because in most sport you need the bounce of the ball to go your way.

"Fortunately her class gets her out of most situations, but you can't take it for granted."